Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka parted ways due to 14-year age gap and differences about family planning, says source

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka have officially ended their seven-year relationship, with the breakup being confirmed by Tanaka through an Instagram post on December 26.

Speculations about their split had surfaced earlier when Tanaka was conspicuously absent from Carey's public appearances. Sources close to the couple suggest that the divergence in their aspirations for a family became a major factor in the breakup.

Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka call it quits

According to insiders, Tanaka expressed a desire to marry Carey, but the Grammy-winning singer was not inclined to take that step right now. The source mentioned, "She is not at that point in her life." Notably, Carey, who is 14 years older than Tanaka, is already a mother to Moroccan and Monroe, her children from her previous marriage to Nick Cannon.

The significant age gap between Carey and Tanaka may have played a role in the decision-making process. The source disclosed that Tanaka has a strong desire to "have a family" and "start having his own life." This fundamental difference in their views on family planning reportedly led to the amicable parting of ways.

Bryan Tanaka took to Instagram on December 26 to share a heartfelt note about the separation, describing it as "amicable." He expressed mutual agreement with Carey to "embark on different paths" and thanked her for the "invaluable time" they spent together. Tanaka also conveyed love and appreciation for Carey's "incredible children."

Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka: Timeline of seven-year romance

Mariah Carey, 54, and Bryan Tanaka, 40, embarked on their romantic journey in 2016, sharing Thanksgiving together. This came shortly after Carey's split with Australian billionaire James Packer in October, who reportedly became jealous of Tanaka's connection with the 'Dreamlover' singer during The Sweet Sweet Fantasy tour. Although their relationship was evident, Carey officially confirmed it in February 2017 through her Instagram.

The couple's love story unfolded smoothly over the years. In 2021, Tanaka, Carey, and her children enjoyed the Christmas holidays in Aspen, with a source describing Carey as genuinely happy, stating, "He's always doting on her, and they have a great time together." Tanaka also celebrated the iconic singer's birthday earlier this year, expressing his sentiments on Instagram with a heartfelt message: "Happy Anniversary, my Beautiful Queen."